Raw cacao has been used for centuries by the ancient civilizations of the Americas for medicinal purposes.In it's raw unprocessed state, it is a powerhouse of nutrients like antioxidant flavanoids, sulphur, magnesium, essential fatty acids, theobromine- a mild, non-addictive stimulant that some believe can treat depression.

Here is a good simple recipe:

Ingredients

2 cups of coconut oil

1/3 cup of maple syrup (agave or honey)

1 cup of raw chocolate powder

Optional:

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1/2 cup of nuts of choice ground

1 spoon of orange or lemon zest grated

pinch of salt

Instructions

Put parchment paper in a dish

Whisk or pulse in a food processor the coconut oil, maple syrup and chocolate powder

Add the optional ingredient or ingredients

Pour mixture into the dish, cool in a refrigerator until it is solid

Cut into pieces and serve

Please note: raw coconut chocolate is less stable than regular chocolate, it will melt when left at room temperature. It is best when served cold and eaten right away.